Posts By: FortisOntario Inc. and Wataynikaneyap Power

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, FortisOntario is pleased to be rolling out the $10,000 Future Generations Scholarship program available to the Wataynikaneyap Power Project’s 24 owner First Nations.* This scholarship represents respecting First Nation way of life and what we leave behind for future generations to come, or chinagatamaageyeg (Anishinabe, “to leave something behind for others”). Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the Future Generations Scholarship:

•               Enrolled in a post-secondary or trade program for the 2022/2023 school year, with a minimum of two years remaining in their studies

•               Interested in pursuing a career in the Ontario energy sector

•               Respect the values of the Wataynikaneyap Power Project, the Project’s Guiding Principles, and willing to champion the Wataynikaneyap Power Project in public forums

•               A member of one of the Wataynikaneyap Power Project’s 24 First Nation owner communities*

*The following First Nations are owners in the Wataynikaneyap Power Project: Bearskin Lake, Cat Lake, Deer Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Keewaywin, Kingfisher Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Lac des Mille Lacs, Lac Seul, McDowell Lake, Mishkeegogamang, Muskrat Dam, North Caribou Lake, North Spirit Lake, Ojibway Nation of Saugeen, Pikangikum, Poplar Hill, Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, Slate Falls, Wabigoon Lake, Wapekeka, Wawakapewin, and Wunnumin Lake.

The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is an unprecedented First Nations-led project to build approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines in Northwestern Ontario to connect remote First Nations communities to the Ontario power grid. The project will reinforce the existing transmission grid to Pickle Lake and will expand grid service north of Pickle Lake and Red Lake to ultimately connect 17 First Nations. These communities are currently provided electricity through diesel generation.

Scott Hawkes, President and CEO of FortisOntario, remarks, “FortisOntario is offering this Future Generations scholarship to support First Nations’ post-secondary education goals. As a partner in the Wataynikaneyap Project, we encourage First Nations youth to pursue educational opportunities, and on this day of celebration, we embrace the diverse culture of Indigenous peoples.”

“We are delighted that FortisOntario has provided this opportunity to support a student from the owner communities. Future generations are the reason we are building this transmission line. This is their project. They will receive maximum benefits in the Project, and this will provide for generations to come,” Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power, also remarks. “Our youth are strong and resilient, and I look forward to seeing their applications!” 

Please see www.wataypower.ca/project/scholarships for more information! I am sending this in case it is of interest to your audience. If you no longer wish to receive news on the Wataynikaneyap Power Project, please reply “unsubscribe”. 

About FortisOntario Inc.

FortisOntario is an electric utility, which owns and operates Canadian Niagara Power Inc., Cornwall Street Railway Light & Power Company Ltd., and Algoma Power Inc., serving a combined approximate 66,000 customers. FortisOntario also owns regulated transmission assets with approximately 3,460 kilometres of distribution and transmission lines, and meets a peak demand of approximately 257 MW. FortisOntario also act as project manager for the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project. For further information visit www.fortisontario.com. FortisOntario is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.

Media Contact

Kristine Carmichael, Director of Corporate and Customer Services

FortisOntario Inc.

905-994-3637

Kristine.Carmichael@fortisontario.com

About Wataynikaneyap Power

Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission company majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nations in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., acts as the project manager through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. The 24 First Nations also established Opiikapawiin Services to lead the community engagement and participation for Wataynikaneyap Power LP. To connect remote First Nations communities to the electrical grid, Wataynikaneyap Power will develop, manage construction, and operate approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines in northwestern Ontario. For further information, please visit: www.wataypower.ca or www.oslp.ca.

The Nunatsiavut branch of the Qanuippitaa? National Inuit Health Survey is launching on June 23 at 11:00 a.m. The event will take place at the Illusuak Cultural Centre in Nain and will be livestreamed on the Nunatsiavut  Government Facebook and Instagram pages. 

This will be official launch of the Nunatsiavut branch of the Qanuippitaa? Inuit Health Survey; this follows the  national launch for the program, which took place in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, in 2019. 

Defendants continue carrying hundreds of charges for peacefully resisting
Enbridge’s reckless damage to Minnesota’s environment

Today dozens of Indigenous leaders, backed by celebrities including Jane Fonda, Mark Ruffalo, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, and the Indigo Girls, as well as over 100 organization and business leaders from Minnesota and beyond, released a letter [being published on https://www.dropline3charges.com] asking the Walz-Flanagan Administration, county prosecutors, and Minnesota leadership to:
Do everything in your power to support dropping the charges against water protectors. For any charges not dropped, we specifically call on the Walz-Flanagan Administration, under Minn. Stat. § 8.01, to appoint Attorney General Ellison as special prosecutor for the most egregious cases, including those in which the State is extending inconsistent plea offers to water protectors. 
Over 750 people were arrested – some of them multiple times – and hit with thousands of criminal charges during the peaceful resistance to the Line 3 tar sands pipeline in 2021. Some were also hit with rubber bullets, pepper balls, and hands-on “pain compliance” – human rights abuses that were addressed by two UN agencies, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders.
300 Cases Remain Open Including Highly Questionable Felony Charges
About 300 of the cases against Indigenous water protectors and other Line 3 defendants remain open, including dozens of highly questionable felonies. Excessive felony charges have included “attempted assisted suicide” for defendants who entered empty pipes during protests (and left very much alive), and “theft” of both the pipeline and “time.” Although a number of these were dropped or dismissed in various jurisdictions, similar charges remain in other counties. One fifth-generation Aitkin County resident, Shanai Matteson, faces a jury trial in mid-July for allegedly “conspiring, aiding and abetting criminal trespass on critical public infrastructure pipeline” at an event she did not attend. 
The charges stem from an unprecedented arrangement in which the Canadian multinational Enbridge corporation paid Minnesota state and local law enforcement more than $8.6 million to arrest, subdue and surveille community members resisting the Line 3 tar sands pipeline, which was hurriedly built in 2021 even as legal challenges by tribal governments and community groups were pending. The single largest recipient of these reimbursements was Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Meanwhile, nearly 100,000 people have signed a petition to the Walz-Flanagan Administration with the same request. Drop the Charges and Flood the Courts rallies have been held at multiple courthouses, including in Duluth, Hubbard, Aitkin, Itasca, Carlton and Wadena counties. While exiting jail and being greeted by supporters in Pennington County, some people were re-arrested without explanation.
Allies of the defendants argue those accused of interfering with construction were supporting treaty rights, protecting the global climate, and attempting to prevent Enbridge’s reckless construction practices that resulted in multiple aquifer breeches and “frac-outs” – spills of drilling fluid in delicate, pristine ecosystems, including the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Enbridge continues to face legal challenges for this misconduct.
Dozens of Cases Dropped in Hubbard County; Some Moved to Tribal Court
It appears the pressure to drop charges is having some effect. Defendants and their supporters say that in the last month alone, dozens of cases have either been dropped, or resolved on “stays of adjudication.” All but 64 of 441 Hubbard County cases are closed. Aitkin County has the highest remaining open case count (78). 
Still, eight months after oil started flowing through Line 3, more than 300 people are still dealing with charges. Two dozen face felonies they say were trumped up after peaceful protests; Indigenous women and supporters who claim they are entitled to exercise – and obligated to enforce – treaty rights.
Defendants claim it was often law enforcement who abused rights and behaved violently toward them – and toward the land that agencies like the DNR are charged with protecting. While the arrests of Indigenous Water Protectors infringed on treaty and first amendment rights, some of those cases are being heard in tribal court, even as legal teams argue all Indigenous cases should be transferred there. 

Quotes from Ojibwe Indigenous Leaders
Tara Houska, Giniw Collective Founder, tribal attorney, Couchiching First Nation Citizen“Though the news cycle has largely forgotten the brave folks who stood up for Anishinaabe treaty territory against Line 3 tar sands, we have not. I hope the Governor and Attorney General haven’t either, because we remember their inaction as we were surveilled, harassed, and in some cases tortured by police and Minnesota’s DNR who have billed over $8.6M in Enbridge funds at this point. There’s something they can still do, at this time — for those of us still in Minnesota’s courts, for those of us facing disparate treatment by county attorneys and sometimes outrageous charges like felony assisted suicide and felony theft: appoint AG Ellison to these cases, show us that equity matters. We stood up for your water, for your children. Stand up for us.”
Winona LaDuke, Honor the Earth Executive Director, Mississippi Band Anishinaabeg of the White Earth Reservation Enrollee“As defendants young and old, of all races and many places start heading to trial, this letter asks Minnesota to drop the charges, or at least appoint the attorney general to the most egregious. There were over 1000 Enbridge-funded arrests of people standing with us, trying to stop the tar sands giant from doing exactly what they did: cause profound and permanent damage to our beloved waters. Who is the criminal here, and who is enabling that criminal to get away, while prosecuting the real heroes?” 
Taysha Martineau, Camp Migizi Founder, Water Protector and MMIW Activist, Gitchigumi Scouts Co-Founder, Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Anishinaabe “Our communities are built upon the backs of people who fought for change. We owe it to those who have sacrificed to honor those willing to create change by means of direct action.”

Watch now for free on NFB.ca

Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again shares the powerful story of Mary Two-Axe Earley, the Mohawk woman who fought for more than two decades to challenge sex discrimination against First Nations women embedded in Canada’s Indian Act and became a key figure in Canada’s women’s rights movement.

Mary Two-Axe Earley : Je suis redevenue indienne SKONKWEHÓN:WE Á:RE

Mary Two-Axe Earley : Je suis redevenue indienne témoigne de la percutante histoire d’une figure incontournable de la défense des droits des femmes au Canada : Mary Two-Axe Earley. Pendant plus de 20 ans, Mary a lutté contre la discrimination sexuelle à l’égard des femmes des Premières Nations, en particulier dans la Loi sur les Indiens du gouvernement canadien.

The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) at the University of Regina (U of R) and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has partnered with the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) to offer a new Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Nation-Building. 

Announced on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the certificate program will be offered across Canada through a combination of online classes and an in-person residency.

Taught by faculty members from FNUniv and JSGS, students will learn about traditional and contemporary Indigenous governance and worldviews. They will also explore the impact of colonialism on political, social, and economic institutions and developments in Indigenous communities, and the role of Indigenous self-governance and self-determination in transforming economic, social, health, and environmental outcomes.

The certificate includes three-graduate level classes and a three-day in-person community residency where students will share knowledge and best practices, build networks and learn from the Old Ones, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.

Individuals can visit www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca for more information about this new certificate, and to learn about other related programs such as the kiskēyihtamowina Board Governance Program, offered in partnership with FNUniv.

Quotes:

“JSGS and FNUniv have worked together for many years to support emerging leaders and community capacity through our programs and research partnerships. With this new graduate certificate, we are expanding opportunities for Indigenous leaders and other public servants to learn about Indigenous governance practices, values, and systems to support the rebuilding of nations.”
—Dr. Loleen Berdahl (PhD), Executive Director, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

“The Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Nation-Building aligns with the vision of the FNUniv, “to have transformative impact”. Transformative reformation is needed, not only in Indigenous communities but also across many segments of Canadian society. This change will be led by current and emerging change agents equipped with knowledge and understanding of Indigenous governance systems based on Indigenous worldviews and goals. FNUniv and our post-secondary education partners will facilitate the requisite knowledge development.” 
—Dr. Bob Kayseas (PhD), Vice-President Academic, First Nations University of Canada

“Settler colonialism strategically worked to erase Indigenous nationhood but the strength and perseverance of our ancestors is manifesting through the Indigenous resurgence of nation-building that combines the traditional value of kinship and interdependence with Indigenous contemporary realities and futurity. Education is said to be our new buffalo and it is beautiful to see the FNUniv and JSGS come together to create an opportunity for Indigenous nation-building into the future.”
—Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement at the University of Regina

“There has been a tremendous amount of development and innovation in governance practices by First Nations and Métis peoples in Saskatchewan. It is wonderful to see instances where partnerships and programs, like this, are making these educational opportunities accessible to current and future leaders.” 
—Dr. Angela Jaime (PhD), Interim Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, University of Saskatchewan

“Rebuilding Indigenous Nations requires effective governance systems that are built upon our natural laws, languages, cultures, and customs. Building bridges between these systems and western frameworks of Canada is achievable and starts with full recognition of Indigenous rights to self-determination. Reconciliation demands reciprocity where we work together to achieve better social, economic, and environmental outcomes through strong governance. The FNUniv and JSGS have a history of collaborating on unique programs that not only empower indigenous knowledge systems but help to shift paradigms within western thought.” 
—Edmund Bellegarde (MBA, Pro.Dir), President & CEO, FHQ eCommerce Ltd. and Certificate Program Co-Instructor

 As part of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s (ICBA) ongoing work with Indigenous communities, ICBA announced today the launch of an Indigenous logo design competition, seeking to enhance ICBA’s brand and reflecting the pillars of ICBA while incorporating elements of Indigenous culture.

“ICBA is committed to understanding the history, culture and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA President. “We are excited to launch this logo competition and to continue meaningful, progressive and respectful engagement with BC’s Indigenous communities.”

The competition is open to all Indigenous artists in BC and offers a cash prize of $35,000 to the winning designer. Artists are being asked to create a logo that reflects ICBA’s mission and vision as well as the values that guide ICBA – leadership, opportunity, and fairness.

“ICBA’s Indigenous engagement is grounded on the idea of ‘building possibilities,’” said Gardner. “We believe that reconciliation is achieved through real action, by providing opportunities for meaningful, successful, and long-term partnerships.”

At its annual gala dinner in April, ICBA invited seven Indigenous leaders to the stage to present a specially painted drum to NFL quarterback and keynote speaker Russell Wilson. The gift commemorated Wilson’s ten seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.

“We are learning more every day about Indigenous traditions and perspectives,” said Gardner. “On this National Indigenous Peoples Day, our team is developing plans around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #92, such as offering cultural awareness training for all our employees and members, and plans for workshops in the fall to highlight best business practices towards economic reconciliation and to hear from Indigenous leaders.”

The deadline for submissions to the logo competition is October 6, 2022, at 4:00PM Pacific time.  A selection panel (to be named shortly) will make recommendations for the winning submission to the ICBA Board of Directors.  ICBA plans to formally announce the winning logo before the end of the year. For full contest rules and submission forms please visit: icba.ca/logocompetition.

TORONTO, ON, June 21, 2022 – In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Yorkville University and Toronto Film School are proud to announce a newly launched bursary for Indigenous students. 

The Indigenous Student Tuition Bursary, which will cover 25 per cent of qualifying students’ tuition, will be available to all new and current Indigenous students who are enrolled in any of Yorkville University or Toronto Film School’s on-campus and online programs.

“This bursary is just the latest initiative we’ve launched at Yorkville University and Toronto Film School in demonstration of our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Yorkville University President Julia Christensen Hughes. “As Canadian higher education has been called upon to take thoughtful and decisive action towards truth and reconciliation, I am pleased to announce our commitment to enhancing accessibility to our innovative undergraduate and graduate programs.”

“Now, more than ever, Canada needs Indigenous storytellers to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the screen – from both behind the camera and in front of it,” added Andrew Barnsley, Toronto Film School’s Emmy – and Golden Globe – winning president. “With the Indigenous Student Tuition Bursary, we hope to open the door to even more aspiring Indigenous filmmakers, so that they can gain the skills they need to share their stories and amplify the voices of their communities.” 

The Indigenous Student Tuition Bursary is available to all Canadian citizens or permanent residents with Indigenous ancestry. Students applying to or who are already enrolled in Yorkville University’s undergraduate degree programs and Toronto Film School’s diploma programs will be able to access the bursary in July 2022. For those pursuing Yorkville University’s doctoral and master level programs, the bursary will take effect in September 2022. 

Prospective students wishing to apply for the bursary are urged to contact one of Yorkville University or Toronto Film School’s Admissions Advisors for more information, while current students can contact Jessica Gruchy at jgruchy@yorkvilleu.ca

As Yorkville University and Toronto Film School’s Manager of Indigenous Partnerships and Engagement, Gruchy explained that the Indigenous Student Tuition Bursary was created in the wake of a series of consultation sessions she and Thamina Jaferi, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, conducted with Indigenous students over the past year. 

“One of the concerns consistently identified by students was the socioeconomic barriers in accessing funding for post-secondary education,” said Gruchy, a Mi’kmaq member of the Qalipu First Nation in Newfoundland. “That’s why I am so excited to share that Yorkville University and Toronto Film School are taking steps to help address these barriers. This is a positive initiative which will assist current and prospective Indigenous students to pursue their higher education goals.”

The bursary also complements some of the ongoing initiatives aimed at amplifying the voices of Indigenous students currently being championed by Gruchy and Jaferi – including the schools’ recently announced Indigenous Student Advisory Council (ISAC). 

Members of the Toronto Film School and Yorkville University’s newly launched ISAC will assist the schools in leading organizational Indigenization strategic initiatives, helping to develop networks amongst Indigenous students, and creating safe spaces for them to voice their perspectives on the student experience.

“The development of the Yorkville University and Toronto Film School Indigenous Students Advisory Council is another key step in building meaningful relationships with Indigenous students, learning about the Truth and Reconciliation process, and providing a forum for the feedback and insights of Indigenous students for the organization’s consideration,” Jaferi said. 

About Yorkville University

Yorkville University is the largest private university in Canada, with in-person programs at campuses in Toronto, Vancouver and a third location in Fredericton, which delivers online educational programs accessed by Canadians in every corner of the country as well as international students, from over 50 countries. Yorkville provides a diverse offering of professional, career-oriented programs, including certificate and diploma programs, undergraduate degrees, masters and a Doctorate of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree. 

Highlights include live performances by Juno winner DJ Shub, JB the First Lady,  DJ Handsome Tiger, and celebrations from Indigenous coalitions in Halifax, Vancouver, Surrey, Cambridge Bay, Thompson, Saskatoon, and more.

Halifax NS — The National Urban Indigenous Coalition Council (NUICC) hosts an online simulcast event on Tuesday, 21 June 2022, connecting eight urban Indigenous communities for National Indigenous Peoples Day.

From downtown Halifax to Cambridge Bay (Nunavut) to a Vancouver Indigenous boat cruise, the event will share stories, music, and interviews from Coast to Coast to Coast. Presented in both English and French, the 150-minute simulcast is co-presented on Eastlink Cable and Eastlink Stream, as well as on a NUICC-hosted Zoom broadcast (registration required) available at NUICC.ca

The event showcases urban Indigenous success stories, such as in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. NUICC interviews Emily Angulalik about her commitment and vision for the Kuugalak Cultural Centre — a $1.7-million facility for the Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq / Kitikmeot Heritage Society — to advance cultural programs and activities for the western Nunavut community, to preserve the Inuinnaqtun language and culture, and to pass down Inuit language and traditional knowledge to people of all walks of life.

NUICC’s music program kicks-off at the Grand Oasis Stage in downtown Halifax in celebration of the Summer Solstice with DJ Shub and War Club Live, and special guests Fawn Wood and Boogat. DJ Shub (Dan General) is a Mohawk DJ and music producer, Juno award-winner, and member of the Six Nations of the Grand River. Known as the ‘the Godfather of Pow Wow Step’, DJ Shub will usher in the flag raising ceremony in Grand Parade. 

On the West Coast, NUICC’s music program streams live from Holland Park in Surrey City Centre, with a live performance by JB the First Lady an Indigenous hip-hop and spoken word artist from the Nuxalk and Onondaga Nations. While she tells her own stories through raw rhythms and raps, her goal is to empower other young people through hip-hop or through their own art.

The program also includes children’s programming from Thompson, Manitoba at MacLean Park where Gina Spence, coordinator for Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy (TUAS), will host an Indigenous puppet show with Star (puppet woman) and singers performing songs for Indigenous Youth.

More cultural broadcasting will come from Saskatchewan’s City Square Plaza and Victoria Park in downtown Regina for the Red Dog Drum Group & Starblanket Dancers, the Asham Stompers, and Student Drum Group & Dancers, with special guest Conway Kootenay, comedian, actor and champion chicken dancer. Regina’s program is expanded with additional programming from coalitions in Prince Albert with Riverside Square Dancers and Pow Wow demonstrations from Métis nation members.

For practical Indigenous knowledge, NUICC is in Québec, to Val d’Or and Montréal, for a Decolonial Toolbox Launch and live interview with Geneviève Sioui, from the Huron-Wendat nation, and Concordia University’s first Indigenous community engagement coordinator.

Then, the simulcast concludes off the West Coast with an all-native boat cruise from the Native Hip Hop Society, co-hosted by Manik 1derful and DJ Handsome Tiger spinning on the top deck. Handsome Tiger is an Anishinaabe Métis / North African music producer and DJ.  NUICC will have an exclusive interview with Handsome Tiger where he talks about the Decolonized Dance Party and his new album, Diaspora.

Join NUICC for this nationally-broadcast Coast to Coast to Coast event in the following time zones on Eastlink Community TV (digital cable and streaming) and on Zoom at NUICC.ca

• 3:30-6pm   –  Pacific     
• 4:30-7pm   –  Mountain
• 5:30-8pm   –  Central
• 6:30-9pm   –  Eastern
• 7:30-10pm –  Atlantic

Program details and schedule available on NUICC.ca

Join the one million urban Indigenous Peoples that live in urban centres in Canada. Add your urban voice to the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Share your pride: post a photo, record a video and tag #urbanindigenous — we are stronger together.

All year round the University of Alberta community celebrates the unique heritage and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

June is National Indigenous History Month, with National Indigenous Peoples Day held on June 21. Here is how the university is marking the day as we highlight some of the university’s exceptional Indigenous scholars:

Highlighting some of the U of A’s many outstanding Indigenous scholars:

Kokum Hazel McKennitt (Kokum is ‘grandmother’ in Cree) is part of the Indigenous Health Initiatives Program at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and an elder-in-residence. She is also a 10-year residential school survivor, former teacher and Indigenous women’s health advocate. Kokum Hazel can discuss the efforts to advance Indigenous health and remove health inequities First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples face. 

Associate professor of secondary education, Sean Lessard, designs school experiences that enhance the lives of Indigenous youth through physical activity and mentorship. Lessard is a former youth worker and high school guidance counselor who works with Indigenous youth across Canada, including those on Enoch Cree Nation. He is co-director of a research project in Montreal Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan called mitho waskayawin, which translates to ‘Moving Well’. The research aims to address systemic racism in physical activities and organized sports.

Beaver Hills Cree education professor Dwayne Donald will work with Canadian teachers in four different communities to better understand how to “unlearn colonialism” and be guided by Indigenous wisdom in the classroom. Donald was recently appointed Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Reimagining Teacher Education with Indigenous Wisdom Traditions. While mandatory Indigenous courses are common in teacher education programs across Canada, they still mostly focus on information about Indigenous peoples and their experiences. In his role as CRC, Donald will support the development of innovative teaching and learning practices that are inspired by learning from local Indigenous wisdom teachings. 

Crystal Fraser is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Native Studies and the Department of History, Classics, & Religion. She is originally from the Northwest Territories and is Gwichyà Gwich’in (Gwich’in are one of the most northerly Indigenous peoples in North America). An intergenerational Indian Residential School survivor, Fraser’s research focuses primarily on the histories and effects of the residential school system in Canada. She is part of the Governing Circle guiding the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation; the group’s role is, in part, to ensure Indigenous Peoples are in control of archival materials related to residential schools.

Tanya Harnett, a member of the Carry-The-Kettle First Nations in Saskatchewan and a university professor jointly appointed in the Department of Art and Design and the Faculty of Native Studies, curated the permanent Residential School exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum. Harnett, who has three generations of family members that attended residential schools — including her mother who was sent to Brandon Residential School at the age of four — took seven years to create the exhibit.

Events:

National Indigenous Peoples Day event in Camrose

The Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta will hold a special event with former U of A Writer in Residence, Richard Van Camp. The event will feature storytelling and readings while providing a space to engage in Reconciliation. 

Date: June 21 at 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. 

The general public can attend virtually. Tickets are required for the free digital presentation. More information is available here.

University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan launch

The U of A is set to launch Braiding Past, Present and Future: University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP). The plan is the result of wide-ranging conversations to envision ways to carry out institutional commitments to the TRC Calls to Action and Indigenous Initiatives more broadly. The ISP aims to build better relationships with Indigenous communities — equitable, respectful and mutual — by remediating past practices, bridging the curriculum gap, breaking down barriers for Indigenous students, faculty and staff, and imagining innovative practices in ethical research, fundraising and alumni engagement, among others. 

The development of the ISP was led by Dr. Florence Glanfield (Métis), who serves in the inaugural role of Vice-Provost, Indigenous Programming and Research with the support of the Indigenous Advisory Council, a council comprised of 22 First Nations, Inuit and Métis employees from across the U of A. The Indigenous-led plan was created in broad dialogue with faculties, units, individuals, and communities.

Date: June 24 at 10 a.m.

The general public and campus community is invited to attend the livestream of the launch.

Dr. Florence Glanfield is available to speak with the media about the Indigenous Strategic Plan.

Hydro-Québec and the First Nations of Québec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) have announced a partnership aiming to meet the needs expressed by Indigenous women. Hydro-Québec’s contribution of five million dollars over five years will enable the FNQLEDC to expand its service offer and support more First Nations and Inuit women entrepreneurs who are working to create and develop their businesses.

Studies led by the FNQLEDC show that enterprises run by Indigenous women are especially committed to the well-being and development of their communities. The collaboration with Hydro-Québec will provide the FNQLEDC with the means to offer new financing services, including microcredit, as well as a financial contribution to support business creation and commercial infrastructure development. More women entrepreneurs will benefit from personalized support and expert services at every step in their project, from start-up to expansion.

Marketing support will also be available to participating businesswomen under the First Nations Identification brand created by the FNQLEDC to support and protect First Nations entrepreneurs and communities in every sphere of economic development and easily recognize the authenticity of their products and services.  

The result of a consultation

The initiative is the outcome of a consultation with current and aspiring First Nations and Inuit women entrepreneurs. Decision makers from several nations and Inuit organizations, as well as members of the Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones, were also consulted. Hydro-Québec and the FNQLEDC, which already offers entrepreneurship services for women, worked together to define the measures to put in place. 

Quotes

“In the past few years, Indigenous women have been increasingly interested in entrepreneurship. Hydro-Québec’s support will enable the FNQLEDC to significantly enhance its current support services and complete its offer through the development of new services and tools. Women of all nations will benefit from the support of our team of expert advisors to develop their business plans or expand an existing enterprise. The women entrepreneurs who take part in the program will become role models for the next generations.”

Jinny Thibodeau Rankin, Interim Director General, First Nations of Québec and Labrador Economic Development Commission 

“Last November, at the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Québec, Hydro-Québec made the commitment to deepen the dialogue with the First Nations and Inuit nation. And it was through this dialogue that it became clear we would support Indigenous women entrepreneurs. Our collaboration with the FNQLEDC and the support measures that will be put in place flow directly from our talks with women entrepreneurs, who generously shared their realities with us. We want to sincerely thank them, and we pledge to invest every effort to meet their expectations.”

Julie Boucher, Vice President – Sustainability, Community Relations and Communications, Hydro- Québec